SOMETHING DISCOVERED by Author Bernadette Marie **BOOK BLAST** **GIVEAWAY**

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Bernadette Marie to the blog today to talk about her new book, Something Discovered, Book #2 in the Funerals and Weddings series of contemporary romances. You can find all the stops on Bernadette’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win a $25 gift card. The entry form is at the end of this post.

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

Sometimes coming home opens the door to discovering something new.

After Coach Diaz’s funeral, Alex Burke realized there was nothing left for him in Boston, especially after he found out his girlfriend had moved on. Moving back to Colorado, and bonding with his college friends, is what Alex needed to get his life back in order.

Catherine Anderson grew up in the shadow of Coach Diaz’s daughter. The best friend that was always overlooked, Catherine had reservations about the men who had been Coach’s Fabulous Five, especially Alex Burke who always had eyes for Rachel, and didn’t even know Catherine existed.

Coming together to mutually help Rachel through hard times, Catherine and Alex realize they’d had eyes for one another back when. Perhaps now that Alex was home, it would be a good time to explore an adult relationship. But when news out of Boston rocks his world, it just might be more than Catherine can handle.

Get Something Discovered on Amazon ~ B&N (Nook) ~ Google Play

Alex took the brush from her and set it on top of the open can of paint. “Do you dance?”

Now he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. Her eyes were wide as she studied him. She might have thought he was crazy, but she wasn’t pushing him away.

A few measures later, she finally lifted her arms and swayed with him.

“This is silly,” she chuckled shaking her head.

“Spontaneous,” he corrected as he pulled her a little closer. “It’s supposed to be romantic, right? Stopping what you’re doing and dancing?”

Her eyes went wide. “Are you trying to be romantic?”

“Am I not good at it?”

Catherine blinked and he could see her lip tremble. “I asked you first,” she said and her voice shook.

Alex slowed his sway. Maybe he was trying to be romantic. Maybe that was why he felt the need to show up at her house with flowers and wine.

He slowed even more, until they were simply standing in the bathroom—his hands on her hips, her arms around his neck.

“I guess I am,” he said looking down into her blue eyes.

Catherine swallowed hard and ran her tongue across her pink lips. “Then I guess you’re good at it.”

The ball was back in his court, he decided. He could let go of her and pick up the paint roller, or he could take the next step and see what happened.

Catherine’s fingers began to make circles at the nape of his neck, and now he trembled.

Lowering his mouth, until his was only a breath from hers, he stopped and locked eyes with her. Her baby blues were soft before they disappeared behind her eyelids, and he knew then she wanted the kiss he was contemplating as much as he did.

Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie is known for building families readers want to be part of. Her series The Keller Family has graced bestseller charts since its release in 2011. Since then she has authored and published over forty-five books. The married mother of five sons promises romances with a Happily Ever After always…and says she can write it because she lives it.

Obsessed with the art of writing and the business of publishing, chronic entrepreneur Bernadette Marie established her own publishing house, 5 Prince Publishing, in 2011 to bring her own work to market as well as offer an opportunity for fresh voices in fiction to find a home as well.

When not immersed in the writing/publishing world, Bernadette Marie can be found spending time with her family, traveling, and running multiple businesses. An avid martial artist, Bernadette Marie is a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and loves Tai Chi. She is a retired hockey mom, a lover of a good stout craft beer, and might have an unhealthy addiction to chocolate.

Bernadette's Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Bernadette Marie will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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It’s been my pleasure hosting Bernadette Marie today on the blog. Please come back again soon for more authors, books, and giveaways.
Nancy

TO ENTICE A SPY by Author Diane Scott Lewis **Book Blast** **GIVEAWAY**

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Diane Scott Lewis to the blog. Today we’re featuring her book, To Entice A Spy. You can find all the stops on Diane’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for you chance to win a $20 gift card. The entry form can be found at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Historical Romantic Suspense

In 1794, Widowed Countess Eseld Trehearne seeks revenge for the brutal death of her female companion during a Paris riot. On her return to England, Eseld delves into espionage to defeat the French rebels.

Baron Robert Penhale, Eseld’s childhood love, rejoins the Secret Services after his wife’s death. He’s determined to protect England from the revolution terrorizing France.

A ruthless French spy fights for the common man while disguised as an English aristocrat. He’s intent on revenge against those who oppose him.

With the spy stalking them and Robert in fear for Eseld's life, the fate of the couple verges on disaster.

Amazon ~ B&N (Nook) ~ Book Depository ~ Target

Pierre entered the Blue Anchor tavern. At a table in the far corner, he sat and ordered a small beer. He reached into his greatcoat pocket and pulled out the letter he’d just picked up from the General Post Office. Crackling it open in the dim candlelight, he started to read the coded letter.

Men laughed and talked in the low-ceiling taproom, puffing on pipes. The word, “revolution,” popped up now and then. Had their arguments been for or against?

The nerve of the English to care about his country’s events, but the murder of useless royalty across the Channel had made George III fear for his crown. Now Britain, along with Austria, attacked France to demand the status quo.

A pretty wench in apron and cap sauntered up to his table.

“You promised to visit me. I’m that earnest to run my fingers through your hair blacker than coal, an’ gaze into them blue eyes. Handsome devil.”

“Not now, I’ll come back later tonight. I’m busy.”

Pierre was anxious to finish his note and turned from her. Another chit he dallied with. He heard her walk off in a huff.

He hunched down and snickered.

The note confirmed that a woman, a spoiled aristocrat, was in town to interfere with him.

“How delightful,” he muttered under his breath. Could that be the recent arrival, Countess Trehearne?

He crunched the paper in his fingers as if to rip apart anyone who impeded his operation. This woman, the delectable Eseld, would be easy to fool, and dispose of, if necessary.

Diane Parkinson (Diane Scott Lewis) grew up near San Francisco, joined the Navy at nineteen, married in Greece and raised two sons in Puerto Rico, California, and Guam. She's a member of the Historical Novel Society and wrote book reviews for their magazine. She’s always loved travel and history and has had several historical novels published. Her most recent is the Oyster War Novel set in the 1950s: Ghost Point.

Her spy novella, To Entice a Spy, set in England during the French Revolution—two former lovers chase a ruthless spy; will love rekindle as murder stalks them?—will be released on October 11, 2021.

Diane lives with her husband and one naughty dog in western Pennsylvania.

Diane's Website ~ Amazon Author Page ~ BookBub

Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Diane Scott Lewis will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thank you for stopping by. Notes From a Romantic's Heart will be on a short va-ca from Wednesday, October 13th through Thursday, October 21st, but will be back again on October 22nd with more great guests.

Stay healthy, happy, and well read.
Nancy

T.BALL AND THE RISE OF THE WORLD SPINNERS by Author Stephen James Moore *Review Tour* *Giveaway*

Notes From A Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Stephen James Moore to the blog. We’ll be taking a look at his new book, T. Ball and the Rise of the Worldspinners, including my review. All the stops on this tour can be found at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a gift card. The entry form is at the end of this post.

GENRE: Middle Grade / Young Adult Fiction

The Stage Is Set

"What's up, dude? Name's Hector," said the offbeat rabbit, his long ears stuffed in a bulging cap.

"I am Tobias Oakwood Ball," replied the young hedgehog, puffing out his spines.

Newfound friends and future companions, T. Ball and Hector are destined to join the humans, four and two-legged ones, winged ones and the fairy folk who must unite in a titanic struggle of good vs. evil. A malevolent entity has come to the woodlander village of Two Trees, dispatched from the realms of the Worldspinners with a mission to bring darkness to all the worlds.

It is a plan that has been centuries in the making, nothing by accident and unknowing participants in the plot had been carefully chosen. Many times through history they have tried and failed. This time they will enter through the back door by corrupting nature.

There will be a bully called Spike, an overworked wizard named The Great Toothsayer, and an annual hedgehog race that sets everything in motion. Also, there are mobster squirrel gangs called Hoarders and a tyrannical mob boss named Clough Briarthack. Then there's the Professor, a lost book, hard-working moles and others—but that's to come in the next book. The story begins now . . .

Who tricked The Great Tooth?
Why must T. Ball find his own special gift?

Amazon ~ B&N (Nook) ~ Kobo ~ Indigo/Chapters ~ Bookshop ~ Book Depository

The Young Tooth Is Rescued

As if on cue for announcing winter’s ceremonial arrival, it snowed during the night, leaving a soft white covering. Winter would be early and stay long that year.

Two strangers dressed in simple monk habits of long brown sackcloth had waited silently in the night shadows outside the thorp. They had been there since late afternoon.

Standing there patiently, they knew what was to happen that night but had the wisdom to know what can and cannot be changed. Far from commonplace forest village creatures, these were members of the legendary order of woodland seers and magi called the Grand Order of the Berts.

Master Shoe Bert was the taller of the two, being a badger of unknown seasons. He was learned and spiritually wise beyond comprehension by mere mortals. At his side stood his docent, a young mouse called Herb Aceous. Always the devoted young student, he had not yet earned the full title of Bert.

Legend has it, the Bert lineage was founded by a mouse who came across the waters from the east, named Ali Bert the Wise. Known as the All Seer, he was responsible for bringing light during the darkest ages for all the animals. More likely, the actual founder of the Berts was a rat, possibly female, known in some enlightened history books as Eli Bert and honoured to this day by many small ancient sects who trace their roots back to the beginning times. Due to the politics surrounding rats, it is probable that the Bert origin story was changed to venerate the founder as a mouse, and a male one, at that. Recognising a female rat as the Bert founder would have been unacceptable in those dark ages of fear, superstition, and prejudice.

As the two wise ones stood untiring, both knew the tragedy that would soon befall those around the Great Green Emerald Lake. Several moons ago they had glimpsed tonight’s events in the bubbling waters of the Looking Bowl, inside Master Shoe Bert’s cave. Their meditations and scrying powers had well-prepared them for what they needed to do. They saw the Fairy Folk put on their magnificent display, observed the evening’s festivities, and watched the woodlanders contentedly file back to their homes. The master and his student would remain concealed in the shadows, witnesses to the atrocities destined to be perpetrated upon the woodlanders. They were both mortified, as they could see future events unfolding before their eyes but could do nothing to stop them. Much was at stake and fate must play out. Some things can be changed, others cannot. They continued to monitor the situation until the moment was almost upon them. Wrapping woolen scarves around their snouts, they waited with grim anticipation for the silent horror that was about to arrive.

3.5 Stars

I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of good versus evil in this book, the way it dealt with issues of bullying, and conflict resolution. I admit, I was a bit underwhelmed when trying to reconcile the books description with the actual story itself. An expectation was set, but not fully met. That's not to say what was there wasn't entertaining, because for the most part it was.

I few of the conflicts seemed a bit over the top, and there were areas of rambling that could have been handled more efficiently. However, bottom line, the lessons taught and learned were valuable. I'm not certain a lower middle-grader would appreciate what the book has to offer, but older grades will likely get the play on words and entertainment value of the book. While I probably wouldn't let my 12 year-old grandchild read it, I would certainly recommend to the older teens.

U.K Born Stephen Moore is a writer and accomplished Martial Artist. Lover of literature and ancient history. T. Ball was given in a dream and now his world is alive thanks to the T. Ball book series which covers human, animal and the unseen worlds showing victory through adversity and an incredible adventure through darkness and light. Stephen has also published The Christmas Adventure which shares T. Ball's world reminding us of the seasonal message.

Stephen James Moore will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thank you for stopping by. Please come back tomorrow for another author, book, and giveaway. Notes From a Romantic's Heart will be on a short va-ca from Wednesday, October 13th through Thursday, October 21st, but will be back again on October 22nd with more great guests.

Stay healthy, happy, and well read.

Nancy

UNEXPECTED CONNECTION by Author Sue Jaskula *Book Blast* *Giveaway*

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Sue Jaskula to the blog. Today we’re featuring her romantic suspense, Unexpected Connection, from The Wild Rose Press. You can find all the stops on Sue’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway. The entry form can be found at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Confident and resilient homicide detective Jennifer Scott is instinctively suspicious when her best friend's life is disrupted by the arrival of an unbeknownst twin sister. When a murder coincides with her appearance, the mysterious twin becomes the prime suspect.

Adding confusion to Jen's organized life is another unexpected intrusion, her handsome and sophisticated new partner, Detective Luke O'Connor. As mischievous as he is charming, chemistry between the two intensifies, threatening Jen's reputation and testing her limitations.

As the murder investigation unfolds, the detectives are forced to back-burner their heated connection while they race against time to figure out what other long-lost family members may be involved, how they're connected to the twins and why they've surfaced now.

eBook Links: Amazon ~ B&N (Nook) ~ Chapters/Indigo

Print Links: Bookshop ~ Target

His reply was also hushed, but other officers snuck curious glances our way. “Well, you are full of yourself, Detective Scott. I wasn’t hitting on you, I merely shook your hand and re-introduced myself, trying to make the situation between us comfortable since we will be working together. As your new partner, it’s my job to have your back, so to speak, so you have no choice but to have me in your personal space. I also don’t date cops and I would appreciate it if you would keep the “your type” comments to yourself since you know nothing about me, due in part to the fact that you can’t see two feet past your own ego that tells you every good-looking dude who walks by your blonde-haired, blue-eyed, pretty face must want to get into your pants.”

My career has spanned many years in a mix of criminal and civil law and hospital surgical administrative work. Along with my work and life experience, I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and a Creative Writing Certificate both from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.

I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to take early retirement and pursue a career in writing, a pursuit I have entered into with energy and enthusiasm. I am currently a registered member of Toronto Romance Writers and Crime Writers of Canada.

My husband and I share our home in Grimsby, Ontario, with our youngest daughter, her boyfriend, our dog and two cats. But I spend a great deal of time at our cottage in Kincardine, Ontario near my daughter, son-in-law and first grandson. On these shores of Lake Huron, with some of the best walking trails in the country, my imagination soars and my best stories come to life.

Sue's Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Sue Jaskula will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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It's been my pleasure hosting Sue for today's stop on her tour. Please come back again next week for more authors, books, and giveaways.

Nancy

SAND, SALT, AND SPIRITS by Author Kathryn Hills **BOOK BIRTHDAY**

 

Today we’re celebrating the Book Birthday of Author Kathryn Hills new book, Sand, Salt, and Spirits, the fourth book in the Last Chance Beach Romance series.

About the Book

Can a weekend visit to Last Chance Beach undo decades of brokenhearted memories? Conjuring up some island magic might just be their trick. Or treat!

Kyle Worthington hasn’t returned to Last Chance Beach in years. He’s worked hard to prove himself to his overbearing father and the rest of the world. Now it’s October, and the vacation island paradise is celebrating the season with an island-wide Fall Festival. Family obligation demands he participate. Everyone will be there, including the ghost that haunts his grandparents’ B&B.

The running joke that Kyle never sticks with anything—not a career or a woman—will continue to plague him. Unless he brings a knockout of a date to the weekend-long event. Cassandra Corwin fits the bill perfectly. Kyle’s had his eye on his brilliant, beautiful coworker since day one. But Cassie is an enigma, a loner. There’s no room in her life for anyone except Odin, her goofball of a Great Dane.

Will this woman of mystery agree to Kyle’s scheme to impress his family? Can two near strangers from opposite worlds survive family gatherings and back-to-back Halloween events while pretending to be a couple? Kyle’s father seems hell-bent on derailing everything before they even shout “Boo!”

Or will the island’s magic prove too powerful for them to resist?

Get your copy of Sand, Salt, and Spirits at Your Favorite eBook Retailer

Enjoy an Excerpt

Kyle held his breath, as he pushed through the back door and went around to meet her by her car. Game on, buddy. Pull yourself together.

Yet a shockwave rippled through him at the sight of her. Black hair piled on her head in a messy, windblown bun. Short, sexy, red sundress. Her legs were bare. Pale yet gorgeous and toned. On her feet? High-top red sneakers with white laces.

Cassie dropped big, round sunglasses into place on her nose, and she grinned at him. “I made it.”

The huge dog—about the size of a pony—glanced his way but didn’t move. As if to say, “I am unimpressed by your appearance, human.”

“Yes, you made it.” He forced a pleasant smile though inside he was in full, freak out mode.

“This is Odin,” Cassie explained, still smiling. “Odin…say hello to Kyle.”

The Great Dane bared big white teeth on command in a ridiculous smile-esque maneuver. Yet still he didn’t budge from his seat.

“That’s his only trick,” Cassie offered with a chuckle. “We don’t ask much of each other.”

Kyle’s brain screamed, okay…time to fess up. “Cassie…before we go any further, there’s something I must confess. Please don’t get mad.”

Her smile evaporated. “Oh, that’s never good.”

“Hang on…it’s not good, but it’s not terrible, either.”

“Yet to be determined.” She crossed her arms and leveled a hard stare on him. “Spill it.”

“I may have…Okay, I definitely said…you’re my girlfriend.” Kyle cringed in anticipation of her reaction.

“You said what?” Her voice spiked.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

“A death wish?” she accused with a scowl. “Who did you say this to?”

“Not many. Just my sister, Kat.” He swallowed hard and took a step back. “She told my grandmother.”

“No?” Her tone went dangerously low.

“…who then told my mother when she called to say she wasn’t sure if she was coming. Who, in turn, told Kendall, my younger sister. Who really isn’t coming, by the way. So, that part’s good.”

“Is it now, Kyle? Really?” Cassie demanded with an infuriated huff.

“Yeah…except Kat told her boyfriend, Ben. Now I’m done. I think. Maybe not. News travels fast on Last Chance Beach.”

Her dark eyes pinned him in place. “So…basically…you’re telling me everyone in your family and on this island thinks we’re a couple?”

Kyle gave her a small, shrugging wince. “Yeah…pretty much.”

Cassie glared at him. Lips pinched together. The tiny muscle alongside one eye quivering. “I cannot believe this.” She started pacing alongside her car. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a vacation? A little time off? A day, even, just for me? This was a gift to me. A chance to unwind after all the work I’ve been drowning in.”

“I’m sorry. Again. I didn’t mean to screw up your vacation. I don’t know what came over me. It just happened. Kat was bragging about all the great things in her life. She literally walked in with an engagement ring the size of a bus on her finger. Gran was gushing. Ben had just proposed. She got a promotion. Ben is expanding his business, yada, yada…My brain blew a gasket.”

“So? Who cares, Kyle? It’s family. Not like you’re competing with anyone.”

Kyle dropped his head in shame. “You don’t know my family,” he admitted.

Meet the Author

The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories include ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.

When not writing, this best-selling author is reading, researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband, daughter, and three crazy dogs.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon Author Page * BookBub

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As always, it's been my pleasure welcome Kathryn to Notes From a Romantic's Heart. Please come back again soon.

Nancy

RELUCTANT GROOM ANTHOLOGY: NOT SO SHAM WEDDING by Author Megan Slayer *BookBlast* *Giveaway*

Today we welcome back author Megan Slayer and feature her book, Not So Sham Wedding, part of the Reluctant Groom anthology from Evernight Publishing. You can find all the stops on Megan’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Be sure the check out the Rafflecopter entry form at the end of this post.

GENRE: Contemporary LGBTQ Erotic Romance

About the Anthology

He’s older, wiser, and always gets what he wants. This wedding is happening ... whether the groom likes it or not.

Our seven hand-picked stories feature young reluctant grooms and the older men determined to claim them. These forced marriages may start out frigid, but our authors will prove that love can conquer all.

Evernight's Reluctant Groom anthology stories are sure to deliver passion that is off the charts, scorching hot sex, and sigh-worthy happy ever afters.

Worth the Risk by Allyson Young

Sins of the Father Hannah Morse

Room With a View by James Cox

Making It Real by Marie Medina

Protecting Chauncey by Cooper McKenzie

October Surprise L.J. Longo

Not So Sham Wedding by Megan Slayer

Get the anthology at Amazon ~ B&N (Nook) ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords ~ Evernight Publishing

Enjoy an Excerpt from Not So Sham Wedding

©MeganSlayer, All Rights Reserved

“What do you want me to do? Stall her?” Lucas crossed his ankles and folded his arms again. “What do you think?”

He stared at Lucas. He’d known Lucas Cole for ten years and worked beside him for six of them. He was a sweet man, sexy, too, and the kind of guy he wanted to settle down with—the man he trusted. He’d been attracted to him since the first day they met. The idea of mixing work and play bothered him, but if anyone could help him out, it was Lucas. Besides, it’d give him a reason to see Lucas without the trappings of the job. He’d always liked Lucas and wanted to take things to the next step—trying to figure out if they could be together. Now, he had the chance and he refused to squander it.

“Well? She’s in the elevator.” Lucas unfolded himself and stood. “What do you want me to do?”

“Marry me.” If he had to be a reluctant groom, then he wanted his best friend and confidante beside him.

“What?”

“It’ll put them off if I’m already engaged.” Hudson removed his prized diamond ring his father had given to him years before. He offered the jewelry to Lucas. “Marry me.” He dropped to one knee.

“Lucas?” Not quite the way he’d wanted to propose, but he’d do it over later.

“Me? They think you’re going to marry a woman.”

“I’m gay, and I’m not changing who I am for money.” He held up the ring. “Lucas?” If there was anyone in the world he loved outside of his family, it was Lucas.

“You should marry someone more suitable.” Lucas shook his head. “You need me as your assistant.” A lock of his blond hair slipped over his brow. He tightened his jaw and pressed his lips together. He could’ve been a model instead of an assistant, and he’d be the best one out there because he embodied sexy boy-next-door. He might be younger than Hudson, but Hudson didn’t care. He’d fallen for Lucas a long time ago.

Meet the Author

Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Amazon Author Page ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter

Enter the Giveaway

Megan Slayer will be awarding a prize pack with a necklace made by the author to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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As always, it’s been my pleasure hosting Megan here at Notes From a Romantic's Heart. Please come back again on Monday when we celebrate a Book Birthday, and the fourth book in the Last Chance Beach romance series.
Nancy

KYLE & COREY AND THE GAME-STORE MYSTERY by Author Joe Stephens **REVIEW** **GIVEAWAY**

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Joe Stephens to the blog today to talk about his new book, Kyle and Corey and the Game-Store Mystery, Book 1 in the Kyle and Corey Mystery Series. You can find all the stops on this tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a $25 gift card. The entry form is at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Juvenile (or Y/A) fiction

About the Book

Kyle & Corey Holley (15 and 12) live in Fairly Springs, a small southern beach town. Kyle is a budding engineer; Corey is impetuous, funny and sports-crazy. Like most brothers, they fight often, but they also solve crimes—like the rash of recent robberies around town. When Kyle and Corey investigate, they learn that in each robbery, the thieves stole a high-end desktop computer. Why? What are they looking for? And how soon till they find it? Other complications include Corey's wheelchair-bound math tutor, Kyle’s after-school job in a local game store and a revolutionary new video game launching soon.

Kyle and Corey: Brothers. Best Friends. Detectives. They don't go looking for trouble; it has them on speed dial!

You can find Kyle & Corey hiding out at Amazon & B&N (Nook)

Add to your Goodreads TBR file

Enjoy an Excerpt

“Wanna have a catch outside?” Corey said after a minute. “Before it gets too 
dark?”

“I guess,” Kyle said without enthusiasm.

“Homework, Corey?”

“It’s Friday night, Mom. Can’t you chill out? Besides, I did it in school.”

“You always say you do it in school—then I get your report cards and they say 
you haven’t turned it in.”

“They must be losing it, then. I’m doing it.”

Mrs. Holley shook her head. She knew Corey and knew that nagging him about it was hopeless. “Clear the table before you go.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Corey cleared the plates, glasses and silverware, put the napkins and salt and pepper shakers in the kitchen, and covered the leftover food. Without being prompted, Kyle wiped down the table, the counter and the stove, and swept the floor.

Mrs. Holley watched through the sliding glass door as they hurried outside. As always, any sport absorbed Corey, but baseball was his favorite. He pitched for the local rec department team for most of the year, and hoped they’d eventually add a travel league. For his sake, she hoped so, too.

Outside, Corey and Kyle pulled on their baseball gloves and lobbed the ball back and forth across the wide backyard. “So what’s our next case?” Corey asked. “It’s been a long time since summer.”

Kyle snorted. “That was a one-off, dude. It won’t happen again. They do have a police force here, you know.”

“But we were great together! Bet we could make something happen again.”

“If we do, the cops’ll be after our butts, for sure. They didn’t like it when we made them look bad by catching those bank-fraud guys.”

“If we’re catching crooks, who cares if it’s us or them?”

“They care. They’re the ones paid to do it.”

My Review

4-Stars

A thoroughly enjoyable read, for young and old alike. I was impressed with the boys’ intelligence, their commitment, and their overall attitudes as teens and pre-teens. While they could be a bit stubborn when the situation called for it, over all they were respectful.

The adventure itself was predictable, but still well worth the read, especially for the middle school reader. My pre-teen grandson loved it and gave it two thumbs up as well.

This promises to be an excellent series with the ability to engage readers who might not always be inclined to pick up a book. Definitely reminiscent of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys of my youth.

Meet the Author

JOE STEPHENS has been a fan of boys’ adventure books all his life, and in this, his first series book, he’s created two boys as memorable as Frank and Joe Hardy. He has a background in education and has also visited more than thirty countries while pursuing his passion for scuba diving. He lives in Georgetown with his growing family and three thoroughly spoiled cats.

Enter the Giveaway

Joe Stephens will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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It has been my pleasure hosting today’s guest. Please come back again tomorrow for another author, book, and giveaway. Then, again on Monday to help us celebrate a Book Birthday!

Nancy